images

The galaxy Centaurus A

by

J.Lodriguss/Novapix

Reference

a-gax51-28011

Date

2006-09-12

Designated as radio source Centaurus A, NGC 5128 is one of the most peculiar galaxies in the sky. It is bisected by a dark lane that is considered the dust remnant of a smaller spiral galaxy that was cannibalized by the larger elliptical galaxy. The collision resulted in a burst of star formation. A gigantic black hole equivalent to one billion solar masses resides inside of NGC 5128.